The Needs of Human Pets: A dark MM romance about grief, devotion, and the human cost of being saved

by October Arden

Sawyer was ready to die. Then Velvet arrived.
After losing his only friend—his dog Lawson—Sawyer stands on a bridge, ready to jump. But a stranger with piercing eyes and impossible demands interrupts him. He needs a name. Without thinking, Sawyer “Velvet.”
Chaotic, impulsive, and infuriatingly demanding, Velvet forces Sawyer to postpone his plans. Taking him home is one thing—keeping him is another. Velvet is particular, unpredictable, and utterly impossible to please. Yet, as days pass, a fragile rhythm forms between them. Velvet follows Sawyer everywhere—work, the park, even his bed—until Sawyer’s empty life is suddenly, inexplicably, full again.
Then, one morning, Velvet is gone.
This time it’s Sawyer who hunts him down, but what he finds is not the faithful pet he built his fragile hope around, but a man holding grief and trauma at bay. The choice Sawyer faces now is harder than the one on the walk away and return to the emptiness or fight for a man who may never again be his.
The Needs of Human Pets is a dark, obsessive MM romance about grief, power, and what we rescue in each other when everything else is broken.
Recommended for mature readers due to mature themes and content.

Genres: M M Romance

219 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2025

About the author

October Arden writes emotionally raw queer stories that live somewhere between literary fiction and romance. Their work explores fluid identities, found families, co-dependent devotion, and complicated love—often through the lens of characters who are chronically ill, neurodivergent, or quietly self-destructive. These are stories for anyone who's ever felt unwanted or unseen, where even the most damaged hearts can find a home.

October loves hearing from readers, so feel free to reach out, ask questions, or suggest what you'd like to see next. You can also join the newsletter to stay in touch—and as a thank you, you'll receive a free copy of Starting with Cake, a quietly unhinged neurodivergent love story full of snack cakes, janitor uniforms, and the kind of care that sneaks up on you. Find out about new books and other extras at octoberarden.com

Reviews

[Sebby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words to explain this book but everyone needs to go read it right now. It’s strange and beautiful and don’t try to make sense of anything you just need to accept what’s happening as weird and messy and let the vibes flow over you. There isn’t any actual pet play that happens outside of wearing collars in a possessive way and some dog bed laying so don’t fear the title just please give this odd little book a chance and let it surprise you 🙏

[Mx. T *Chaotic Reader*]

ARC REVIEW

Masterpiece or I'm just a bit....? This book was weird in a good way and also made me feel uncomfortable. The characters weren't strictly likeable, but it was easy to relate to them. The story is unconventional, but oddly sweet in a way. And there an interesting take on the 24/7 human pet kink. It also follows a strange plot structure. But it was amazingly entertaining, I just couldn't stop reading. And it was all show no tell. So... Yeah, read at your own risk.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️

The man smiled. Pretty, he realized. And that was the strange part. That someone pretty was talking to him.

My brain hurts from trying to keep up.
Let’s start off with the fact that this book was insanely weird. And confusing. I don’t even know what tags to put.
Despite the title, the book isn’t a pet play romance. Well, not in the usual kinky sense.

Sawyer is about to kill himself, when a stranger saves him by telling him ‘I’m your new pet’.

“I’m your pet. I don’t come with a name, you need to give me one.”

The plot and style were definitely unique, as I can without a doubt say I’ve never read anything like this.
A story about grief, anxiety, trauma, about finding that unexpected person to complete you… in a bit of a weird way, but hey, no judgment here.
I liked that Sawyer wasn’t conventionally attractive, maybe even a bit ugly. He has scars, is missing an eye, a big man with (according to him) a freaky-looking dick.
And Vel…well, I actually wouldn’t even know how to describe him. He seems to be different people at different times.

And while I can appreciate the uniqueness, the characters, the storytelling — I’m still 100% confused. There are a bit of holes in the plot that don’t really make sense, and we never get a full picture on who these characters really are. The ending was abrupt, an unsatisfying happy-for-now.

“So empty. Please, I’m so empty. Make me full, Sawyer. Put it in and make me full.”

For how kinky the premise seems, this book was such a TEASE. I don’t really mind fade-to-black scenes, but don’t dangle the treat in front of me and then take it away. Now that’s just rude.

“You can fuck it.”

Brace yourselves, ‘cause this is where it gets really weird. I’ve read lots of weird shit, I’m into lots of taboo shit, but I draw the line at eye socket fucking. Granted, they never actually do it, but why was it even a thing? Why propose it at all??
Twice. They almost eye-socket-fucked twice. That’s two times too many.

It was right in front of him. Everything he wanted, everything hopelessly out of his grasp was right there in front of him.

And despite everything, I still enjoyed this weird-ass book. It was intriguing, it was crazy, it was kind of sweet. Two broken souls finding each other. And, even if their scared, deciding not to jump.

“Vel.” He couldn’t stop saying it. He didn’t want to stop saying it. If he never said anything else, he’d be thrilled with just that name.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Suicide attempt
- Mention of past sexual abuse (unspecified age)
- Facial scars
- Touch aversion
- Grief
- Virgin MC
- Queer awakening
- Anxiety
- Gun violence
- Mostly FTB/closed-doors

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3 stars

The Needs of Human Pets is a contemporary story told in the third person, but with narration duties split between Vel and Sawyer. I was drawn to this story because the idea of a human pet, but not in the kink sense, caught my attention. Throw in the fact that once the two MCs find a sort of equilibrium, something happens to split them up and the big question is whether and how they get back together, and I was intrigued. All that is basically true to the story, but the actual reading experience left me befuddled at some points and deeply unsettled at others. To be fair, the official blurb clearly states this is an “obsessive MM” story, so I would urge readers to take that to heart.

Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.

[Thurman · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an ok book and a couple. I'm still a little confused by what I read. I'm sure some people will love it, but it wasn't for me.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelsey Rhodes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing and confusing and thrilling and odd...it was a lot of things and I'm not sure how to feel about it. It is a short read and I read it in one sitting. Vel and Sawyer were complex characters, and I especially appreciated how the concept of grief was handled.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wild. I spent a good portion super confused and when it all made sense I was shocked. This was different than anything I have read. I really enjoyed it. It is a shirt read and it still somehow was able to surprise me. I really liked Vel and his entire team.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional roller coaster ride with Sawyer and Vel

First things first. Don’t try to figure out the motives of Sawer or especially Vel in the beginning of this intense story. It’s not at all conventional, but it’s a darn compelling story. Just read and enjoy the journey with these two odd people which begins with grief, slides into almost performance art, then back to grief, then the building of a real relationship. That’s about all I can say about the plot because it’s rather hard to describe. Keep reading and I think by the end you will have enjoyed it as much as I did. Maybe this seems like I am having to be too big of an apologist for it, but it’s just so different and I admit that I almost did give up probably because I was trying too hard to understand everything that was going on. Please try this book if you like emotional MM stories and just go with the flow. Oh yeah and I suggest you have tissues handy.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded to 5
I was not really sure about this book when I chose, it, and I’m still not sure now, but I am glad I read it. The blurb sets up the craziness, and Vel is the perfect human pet, a good substitute for Sawyer’s beloved St. Bernard, Lawson, bringing him back from the edge with something to live for. I could actually visualize Vel as a “pet”, with the head bumping to be petted, sitting on the floor by Sawyer’s side while he cooks, and curled up in the dog bed with Sawyer to nap. The crazy got crazier when Vel disappeared, and instead of letting him go, Sawyer tracks him down and reinserts himself into Vel’s (now Alistair’s) life.

Alistair was quite different from Vel, and Sawyer took some time to figure it out, the two sort of switching places in this new environment. I never quite figured out how it happened, or was certain what Alistair does for a living, but it all comes back to Alistair/Vel’s past as the new craziness unfolds. I found the second half more difficult to follow in places than the first half, but I was engaged the entire time and hoping the two would end up with a HEA by the final page.

Characters are a bit zany, but very interesting and entertaining in places. Both had events in their pasts that supported the quirkiness, but there is something in each that is healing for the other. I think I could reread this book 3 or 4 times, and get something new out of it each time.

Crazy or not, I would recommend this book if you like quirky characters, an unusual dynamic between the two MCs, a fairly convoluted plot, especially the last half, but with honest and realistic emotions related to past traumatic events that shaped who each is today. I really liked the characters and was invested in their lives, with many questions raised, some which were answered and some that weren’t. I would love to be a fly on the wall in the years to come to see how they handle the current situation from the future one. A really entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley | adhdandread · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not even sure how to start this review. I spent about 80% of the book thinking "WTF is happening here?!", but I was intrigued enough to keep going. I felt invested to continue reading so I could figure out what, in fact, tf WAS going on. After reaching 100% of the book, um...I'm still wondering what I just read. But I somehow liked it? Somehow I swiped the last page and thought, "Huh, OK, I enjoyed that ride," even while I don't think I would have said that WHILE I was reading. It's weird. I don't even know how to explain this book, and I'm usually great with words! It's a short read, and because it's got such a different structure and premise, I would recommend just going in blind, which is what I did.

I didn't love all of the writing; there were definitely times I would lose track of who was talking, who was being talked to, who they were talking about, etc. It felt like the story was trying to be a bit too mysterious in its concept and structure, and things I'd normally consider background information (like, you want it at the beginning of the story to fill in details), came near the end so that you're thinking, "Wait, what? Why didn't you say that sooner? Did I miss something?" Also, I felt the two MCs were really just becoming fleshed out near the end of the book–as if I were just then beginning to understand either one of them at all–and because the book is short, I wanted more of that.

Again, I can't quite nail down my reaction to this one, but I don't feel like I regret reading it.

–A

Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews and October Arden for an eARC of this book. All opinions are mine.

[Aga · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went into this one really intrigued by the title and premise—something different, a little edgy, and packed with potential. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to the expectations I had.

The concept had all the right ingredients: power dynamics, identity, emotional complexity. But for me, the execution felt a bit flat. The pacing was uneven, and I struggled to connect with the characters. I kept hoping for deeper insight or emotional payoff, but it never fully landed.

There were moments of sharp writing and some provocative ideas, but overall, it didn’t resonate the way I hoped. Sometimes a book just isn’t for you—and that’s okay.

⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC!

#BookReview #ReadSipRepeatRewind #BookSirensreads #TheNeedsOfHumanPets #OctoberArden #ARCReview #DisappointingReads #HonestReview #BookstagramReviews #Bookstagram #BookishThoughts #NotEveryReadIsAWin

[E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

“The Needs of Human Pets” by October Arden follows the saga of Sawyer, who has just lost his only friend, but during his darkest hour is confronted by a man who forces him to reevaluate his approach to life. Unfortunately, just as he gets used to the new person, his world is upended once again.

This adult gay story was an uncomfortable read for me. Those with triggers should be advised to read the warnings, as there are very dark elements involving self-harm, and a different way of looking at the concept of “owning” a pet of the same species. I was expecting kink, but I found myself disturbed by the dynamics of the relationship between the main characters, and I gingerly continued to read to find out what was going to ensue, especially wary after a particularly cruel interaction. This is a thought-provoking and sobering book, and I advise to approach with caution.

A copy of this title was provided for review

[Susanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m confused. Majorly confused.

There were moments I seriously considered DNF-ing this book, but I held on, hoping that by the end, things would fall into place and make some kind of sense. And in some ways… they did. Certain parts I grasped. Others were just… pure chaos. But it felt intentional, like the author wanted it to be disorienting.

What I can’t quite wrap my head around is what the author was trying to say with this story. There’s clearly meaning woven into it—I just couldn’t quite catch hold of it. It left me more puzzled than anything.

I can’t say I liked it, exactly. But I can’t say I hated it either. I’m just… thoroughly baffled.

Some parts of the tone and world reminded me of something I read on Wattpad years ago (Sit, Stay, Roll Over by MyWickedWays), which might explain part of the surreal feeling I had throughout.

[Danielle Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strangely compulsive reading.

This book is very far from what I would usually read, but I read the blurb (unfortunately the part that drew me has been edited out) and had to know what the resolution would be.

I hesitate to say anything about the plot because it was such a ride and you have to go in blind to get the full experience. It's incredibly surreal and unpredictable, and it reminded me of some of the bizarre programmes you might wake up to in the middle of the night if you had fallen asleep with Channel 4 (UK) on back in the 90's/00's.

I swallowed the book as soon as I got it and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I want to call it a dark romance, but at the same time there is an extraordinary amount of care between the main characters and they are better for being together.

Heed the trigger warnings, but otherwise, leave your expectations at the door!

[Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing! Absolutely nothing like what I was expecting, and I was somewhat confused for a lot of it, but there's no doubt it was a fantastic read and I loved it. The writing was good, the characters were great and I accidentally stayed up all night to finish it. It was very weird, a little darker than I was expecting, sometimes disturbing, and I could not have stopped reading if you paid me. I needed to see what happened next. It was absolutely enthralling and I couldn't get enough. For a little book, it certainly packs a punch, and I loved it. I'll be thinking about it for a while, and I would 100% read more from this author. It feels like it broke the slump and refreshed my love for reading. Definitely recommend if you can handle the weird.

[Annie Elm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book that provoked lots of feelings. There's so much about Sawyer and Velvet that are surreal and almost absurd but I also couldn't help getting drawn in by them.
Sawyer is found by Velvet at his lowest point after losing his dog and will to live. But Vel claims to be his new pet and even though it’s a crazy thought, Sawyer finds that he doesn't care to be sane.

I really didn't know what to expect of this book and I didn't know at any point in the book where it would lead. But Sawyer and Vel made me feel for them and while the story at times seemed very improbable, their feelings felt very real.

A though provoking book that isn't easy to place in a category

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was, at different moments, fun, sweet, unbalanced, sad, and frustrating. There were several things that confused me, and it made it hard for me to enjoy much of the book. I think most of it was cleared up in the end, but that lack of information/misinformation made it a difficult read. I really liked both characters for the first part of the book, then very strongly disliked them for most of the rest, but in the end, I was happy for them. I don’t want to spoil anything, but the words on the pillow note were unforgivable in my opinion. Moderate angst, low heat, HFN.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Malia Winger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a breezy summer read. I picked it up expecting a dark puppy play story. What I got was two wildly complex, damaged men in an intense love story.. Sawyer is about to jump from a bridge when the grief from the death of his pet is too much. Suddenly, he is confronted by a beautiful man declaring he is Sawyer's pet and demanding to be named and taken care of. Sawyer names him Velvet, and they settle into a routine, but one day Sawyer wakes up and finds Vel has abandoned him. Sawyer tracks Vel down to his "real" life and has to find a way to fit in. There is nothing predictible about this story and I enjoyed picking up the pieces

[CloudyDark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very different from anything I’ve ever read. The concept was truly out of this world. I struggled a bit to finish it because it confused me at times. I’m also not sure if it’s a standalone, since there’s no epilogue, and it left me feeling a bit empty.

I grew to like the characters, Vel and Sawyer. Their relationship was unlike anything I’ve come across in other books. I feel like this story is so unique that many people will have very different opinions about it.

I received an ARC of this book from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the premise of this book. It wasn't like anything I'd read before and going in, I was curious about such a dynamic between these two people, and how that would flip with Velvet's disappearance and Sawyer finding Alistair instead. It certainly was a journey through grief, new relationship, and love. Though I still found it strange and difficult to describe and several times, difficult to understand. lol I just went with it though. The supporting characters caught my interest, too. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

[Jvles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was certainly different. It starts off kind of sad, gets sweet and fun to then turn a little stalkery and insane just to end up sweet again. I'm not sure I really get either of the main characters but they are intriguing, a little damaged and in desperate need of each other. I really rooted for them on their unique journey and I liked the one-of-a-kind relationship development. You need to be open to a little weirdness but then it's a pretty good read.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was… weird. Good, but weird, but it’s good that it was weird because the weirdness made it good. The complete switch in dynamics was so well done! And the neediness jumped out of the pages. I just wanted to hug them both, and hold them in my arms forever. The things they overcome together… and the ending changes everything. It’s a very good-weird book, sad, but left me with a smile on my face.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Sawyer was about to end it all a man talked him into taking him home Instead. A man he named velvet. This book is intense, an emotional rollercoaster of two men who are emotionally hurting. It’s sad. Happy and a little crazy but good. It really shows the lengths people will go through for love. And the pains that come with it. I highly recommend this book, Note: this book deals with suicidal tendencies and mention of childhood sexual abuse

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sawyer is going to jump off a bridge but Velvet talks him into taking care of him - as a pet. From then on, its like chaos and an acid trip to Wonderland. Mood swings, confusion, nothing appears like in a normal relationship but somehow - there is love. I received a copy of this through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Sarah☀️ Somerville · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great - I loved it.

It was different and interesting. Odd and unexpected. The themes were great, and they were explored in meaningful ways. I enjoyed the relationship dynamics, especially with the single point of view. The ending was satisfying.

I will definitely check out more by this author.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I wanted to love this book because the blurb really sounded good., not too sure how I feel about this bug. I was very confused by the storyline of the book. The characters like I wanted to love them but I don't know if it was because I was confused by the storyline I just couldn't feel like I had a connection with them and so that was throwing me off too.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strange and compelling read and I was all over the map with my feelings about it and these characters. If you've recently lost someone close or a pet, this one is going to be a punch in the gut and may or may not be a good choice for this time. Made me stop and think about letting go over and over.

[Kassandra Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m just as confused as everyone else and for once I’m not alone with that feeling. This is completely not what I thought it was going to be. Read the blurb, read the sample, heed all the warnings, and go forth… just roll with it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely different to the usual mm romances I read, but I couldn’t put it down. The situations, the characters and the plot line(s) really captured my attention. I’m a big fan of Japanese and Korean dramas and this had a feel of those. Check out Mx. T’s review as they said it better. Will definitely check out the next story!

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotionally compelling

Sawyer and Vel were absolutely chaotic and absurdly surreal.
Watching them navigate grief and a relationship was intriguing.
I went on an emotional roller coaster with them.